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Southern League 2026

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15 days ago

Noah4thenix wrote:
Southernix wrote:
Coastal Spirit's win over Christchurch United finally confirms their placement in the National League for 2027 but out of the race for 2026.

Christchurch United meanwhile are the first confirmed for the playoffs.
Honestly I can't imagine United get in through the playoffs, they've been so poor this season even with the OPL reinforcements.

To be honest after watching most games they have been poorer since they returned. Today's effort was stop start, reffing was also below standard but really didn't affect result. A lot to think about when OFC contracts get offered soon

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15 days ago

FT Nomads 6 Wanaka 1

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14 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History

Updated Table:

So going into Round 18 the only positions that can alter are 2nd to 4th and 7th and 8th and then 9th and 10th.

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14 days ago

Today's scorers:
Cashmere Technical 3 (Garbhan Coughlan, Lyle Matthysen, Danny Kane) Dunedin City Royals 0 HT 0 - 0,

Coastal Spirit 2 (Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse, Michael Hogan) Christchurch United 1 (Ollie Grosso) HT 1 - 1,

Ferrymead Bays 5 (Omar Cameron x 2 pens, Chris Murphy, Jackson Cole, Treye Butler) Nelson Suburbs 0 HT 4 - 0,

Nomads 6 (Caleb Cottom x 3 incl pen, Angus McIntyre, Guy Reeves, Cooper Goldsmith) Wanaka 1 (Zack Adams-Biggs) HT 4 - 1,

Selwyn 1 (Liam Coleman) Northern 3 (Alex Dale, Josh Kotkamp, Angus Brett - pen) HT 1 - 1

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12 days ago

So Ferrymead Bays just need to win against DCR next weekend to secure National League qualification for this year. As with the other leagues, light on debuts at season's end but still there were a couple.

Selwyn

Caleb Paton (Academy promotion)

Wanaka

Jacob Sullivan (Academy promotion)

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12 days ago

Kowhai31 wrote:
So Ferrymead Bays just need to win against DCR next weekend to secure National League qualification for this year. As with the other leagues, light on debuts at season's end but still there were a couple.

Selwyn
Caleb Paton (Academy promotion)
Wanaka
Jacob Sullivan (Academy promotion)

Only really need a point. Nomads would need to win by more than 8 which can't see happening.

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12 days ago

Jonty07 wrote:
Kowhai31 wrote:
So Ferrymead Bays just need to win against DCR next weekend to secure National League qualification for this year. As with the other leagues, light on debuts at season's end but still there were a couple.

Selwyn
Caleb Paton (Academy promotion)
Wanaka
Jacob Sullivan (Academy promotion)

Only really need a point. Nomads would need to win by more than 8 which can't see happening.

Oops, probably should have checked the goal difference!

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9 days ago · edited 9 days ago · History

Final Round Fixtures

All Sunday 30 August at 1:00pm

Ferrymead Bays vs. Dunedin City Royals - Ferrymead Park
Nelson Suburbs vs. Cashmere Technical - Saxton Fields
Nomads vs. Selwyn - Tulett Park
Northern vs Christchurch United - Caledonian Ground
Wanaka vs. Coastal Spirit - Recreational Centre

Can Suburbs end Technical's unbeaten run in league
Bays need a point to secure second spot - unless Nomads defeat Selwyn by an eight-goal margin
Northern chasing their sixth win at 'Home' with United looking to secure what would be just their second win on the road
Wanaka looking for a positive result to ensure they would lock in 9th position
Selwyn chasing their first point on the road with a win securing them the Hurley Shield (Canterbury Challenge Trophy)

And finally hopefully the Southern League is back in 2027

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9 days ago

Northern could finish 5th if they defeat Chch United and Cashmere beat Nelson. Would be a nice consolation prize considering how the season has gone so far

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9 days ago

Noah4thenix wrote:
Northern could finish 5th if they defeat Chch United and Cashmere beat Nelson. Would be a nice consolation prize considering how the season has gone so far

Whatever the result Northern will finish with the best ever points return for a promoted side.

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9 days ago

2022 Ferrymead Bays got 30? If we start counting after that though, every newly promoted side has scored points more than the last (FC Twenty11 --> UC Football --> Wanaka --> Northern).

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9 days ago

Southernix wrote:
2022 Ferrymead Bays got 30? If we start counting after that though, every newly promoted side has scored points more than the last (FC Twenty11 --> UC Football --> Wanaka --> Northern).

Think he means out of the promoted sides this year. FC Western and Manukau are sit to finish bottom of their leaugues, and Melville is set to finish 9th. In all fairness if Melville smash city and Northern gets smashed by United then they could level the pts and overtake on GD. Either way a win or draw secures Northern as the best promoted side this year

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8 days ago

Understand clubs have been advised of proposal for structure for the Southern League (and leagues below) for next season, earlier today.

No doubt news of the proposal will filter out and will be interesting to following reactions of clubs on the proposal.

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8 days ago

AllWhites82 wrote:
Understand clubs have been advised of proposal for structure for the Southern League (and leagues below) for next season, earlier today.

No doubt news of the proposal will filter out and will be interesting to following reactions of clubs on the proposal.

C'mon do tell, some of us don't get the inside scoop, that's why we come here!

I let my guitar speak for me

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8 days ago · edited 8 days ago · History

VimFuego wrote:
AllWhites82 wrote:
Understand clubs have been advised of proposal for structure for the Southern League (and leagues below) for next season, earlier today.

No doubt news of the proposal will filter out and will be interesting to following reactions of clubs on the proposal.

C'mon do tell, some of us don't get the inside scoop, that's why we come here!

Believe no definitive structure has been put in place for the Southern League as yet, with clubs receiving a proposal today, with clubs having to reply by early September.

Northern League structure for 2027 was put in place by the start of this season and Central League advised clubs of 2027 structure today.

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8 days ago

The structure proposal is doing away with the island wide Southern League and making two 8-side conferences, one north and one south. At the end of the season the top 3 sides from each conference will come together in a 6-side finals series to name a South Island champion. It’s basically what was in place between 2000-2021. Full confirmation will come out on the 11th of September.

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8 days ago

AngryOldMan wrote:
The structure proposal is doing away with the island wide Southern League and making two 8-side conferences, one north and one south. At the end of the season the top 3 sides from each conference will come together in a 6-side finals series to name a South Island champion. It’s basically what was in place between 2000-2021. Full confirmation will come out on the 11th of September.

Kind of disappointing but I guess that’s one way to keep costs down. Assume that means Green Island will be relegated and Halswell and FC Nelson will go up automatically? Gotta think Hearts will be disappointed since they’re about to win the SPL lol

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8 days ago

So its essentially just the old SPL and MPL? That would be disappointing.

Northern - Chch Utd, Ferrymead, Nomads, Selwyn, Nelson Suburbs, Halswell, FC Nelson and one more (Rangers?)
Southern - DCR, Northern, Wānaka, Hearts, Mosgiel, Otago Uni, Queens Park, Old Boys?

Yeah how are teams meant to get promoted and adjust from this level to NL level? Surely 8 team SL and a shorter 14 round season would still be the lesser evil.

Similar happening to the WSIL then I assume?

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8 days ago

Suppose it solves their Nelson being expensive problem somewhat but I can't say this sounds great to me. Going to be very hard to get promoted when you spend most of the season competing in a pretty weak league though.

6-team Southern League will be interesting, based on this season though, it could be unbalanced (would be Ferrymead, Nomads, Nelson, Northern, Royals & Wanaka).

Depending how things go, there is also a risk I could see where the first 16 teams almost permanently hold their spots, with other sides either not interested in or unable to earn promotion.

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8 days ago

Noah4thenix wrote:
AngryOldMan wrote:
The structure proposal is doing away with the island wide Southern League and making two 8-side conferences, one north and one south. At the end of the season the top 3 sides from each conference will come together in a 6-side finals series to name a South Island champion. It’s basically what was in place between 2000-2021. Full confirmation will come out on the 11th of September.
Kind of disappointing but I guess that’s one way to keep costs down. Assume that means Green Island will be relegated and Halswell and FC Nelson will go up automatically? Gotta think Hearts will be disappointed since they’re about to win the SPL lol

Northern Hearts to play in the Northern Conference if proposal goes ahead.

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8 days ago

LT01 wrote:
So its essentially just the old SPL and MPL? That would be disappointing.

Northern - Chch Utd, Ferrymead, Nomads, Selwyn, Nelson Suburbs, Halswell, FC Nelson and one more (Rangers?)
Southern - DCR, Northern, Wānaka, Hearts, Mosgiel, Otago Uni, Queens Park, Old Boys?

Yeah how are teams meant to get promoted and adjust from this level to NL level? Surely 8 team SL and a shorter 14 round season would still be the lesser evil.

Similar happening to the WSIL then I assume?

Northern Hearts will play in the Northern Conference.

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8 days ago

AllWhites82 wrote:
LT01 wrote:
So its essentially just the old SPL and MPL? That would be disappointing.

Northern - Chch Utd, Ferrymead, Nomads, Selwyn, Nelson Suburbs, Halswell, FC Nelson and one more (Rangers?)
Southern - DCR, Northern, Wānaka, Hearts, Mosgiel, Otago Uni, Queens Park, Old Boys?

Yeah how are teams meant to get promoted and adjust from this level to NL level? Surely 8 team SL and a shorter 14 round season would still be the lesser evil.

Similar happening to the WSIL then I assume?
Northern Hearts will play in the Northern Conference.

Yeah will be Northern Hearts if goes through. Suppose a decision needs to be made before Halswell, Northern Hearts and FC Nelson need to playoff for 1 spot.
What about reserve teams for those in NL. Do they play in league below, or where do they fit?

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8 days ago

Dinamo Chris wrote:
AllWhites82 wrote:
LT01 wrote:
So its essentially just the old SPL and MPL? That would be disappointing.

Northern - Chch Utd, Ferrymead, Nomads, Selwyn, Nelson Suburbs, Halswell, FC Nelson and one more (Rangers?)
Southern - DCR, Northern, Wānaka, Hearts, Mosgiel, Otago Uni, Queens Park, Old Boys?

Yeah how are teams meant to get promoted and adjust from this level to NL level? Surely 8 team SL and a shorter 14 round season would still be the lesser evil.

Similar happening to the WSIL then I assume?
Northern Hearts will play in the Northern Conference.
Yeah will be Northern Hearts if goes through. Suppose a decision needs to be made before Halswell, Northern Hearts and FC Nelson need to playoff for 1 spot.
What about reserve teams for those in NL. Do they play in league below, or where do they fit?

There are just enough teams to run Mainland Championship with 6 first teams (Burwood, Waimak, Western, UC, Twenty11 & Parklands) + the two NL reserves. Could see if maybe Mid Canterbury United & Timaru United are keen to make it 10? It wouldn't be a particularly strong division though.

If I was to guess though, more likely they'll probably be in with the best reserve sides and maybe a couple of the better first teams (Burwood & Waimak?). Basically currently Mainland Premiership without Halswell.

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7 days ago

I'm not too sure of the idea personally. Cost is always going to be a problem, especially when you have teams from Nelson and Dunedin flying to each other once or twice a season. Teams like Mosgiel passed on promotion in 2024, Nelson Suburbs recently calling for donations to balance the books because of the Chatham Cup. I think South Island doesn't have the financial depth of the North Island which makes it a bit tough.

On the other hand though I feel like the drop in competition will hurt both regions, especially Otago and Southland since Canterbury and Nelson objectively have much greater competitive depth that southern clubs won't get to face regularly anymore. I do think the finals series between north and south could be interesting though, even if Canterbury teams probably end up dominating.

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7 days ago

Noah4thenix wrote:
I'm not too sure of the idea personally. Cost is always going to be a problem, especially when you have teams from Nelson and Dunedin flying to each other once or twice a season. Teams like Mosgiel passed on promotion in 2024, Nelson Suburbs recently calling for donations to balance the books because of the Chatham Cup. I think South Island doesn't have the financial depth of the North Island which makes it a bit tough.

On the other hand though I feel like the drop in competition will hurt both regions, especially Otago and Southland since Canterbury and Nelson objectively have much greater competitive depth that southern clubs won't get to face regularly anymore. I do think the finals series between north and south could be interesting though, even if Canterbury teams probably end up dominating.

It'd be a big loss for the south but also trouble for Mainland imo.

The quality sides are Nelson, Nomads, Ferrymead and Chch Utd (assuming they don't win the PO).

Surely these guys would be better off playing the Royals, Northern and Wānaka than Halswell, Selwyn and FC Nelson? Waimak too if CU win the NL playoff. Recent years have shown there's a marked difference in quality and Mainland doesn't have as strong depth anymore.

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7 days ago

Thanks for all the info.
Does it seem crazy that we are debating this and it's about to turn into September?

I let my guitar speak for me

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7 days ago · edited 7 days ago · History

LT01 wrote:
Noah4thenix wrote:
I'm not too sure of the idea personally. Cost is always going to be a problem, especially when you have teams from Nelson and Dunedin flying to each other once or twice a season. Teams like Mosgiel passed on promotion in 2024, Nelson Suburbs recently calling for donations to balance the books because of the Chatham Cup. I think South Island doesn't have the financial depth of the North Island which makes it a bit tough.

On the other hand though I feel like the drop in competition will hurt both regions, especially Otago and Southland since Canterbury and Nelson objectively have much greater competitive depth that southern clubs won't get to face regularly anymore. I do think the finals series between north and south could be interesting though, even if Canterbury teams probably end up dominating.
It'd be a big loss for the south but also trouble for Mainland imo.

The quality sides are Nelson, Nomads, Ferrymead and Chch Utd (assuming they don't win the PO).

Surely these guys would be better off playing the Royals, Northern and Wānaka than Halswell, Selwyn and FC Nelson? Waimak too if CU win the NL playoff. Recent years have shown there's a marked difference in quality and Mainland doesn't have as strong depth anymore.

If this is the case its an absolute farce and goes to show the stupidity of Mainland Football!
Its only going to decrease the standard. Selwyn potentially to get another reprieve for the 2nd straight year, Halswell despite their beliefs are poor and will add nothing and I'd put FC Nelson in the same boat re quality..There is no way you could add Waimak who finished 7th in CPL

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7 days ago

Jonty07 wrote:
LT01 wrote:
Noah4thenix wrote:
I'm not too sure of the idea personally. Cost is always going to be a problem, especially when you have teams from Nelson and Dunedin flying to each other once or twice a season. Teams like Mosgiel passed on promotion in 2024, Nelson Suburbs recently calling for donations to balance the books because of the Chatham Cup. I think South Island doesn't have the financial depth of the North Island which makes it a bit tough.

On the other hand though I feel like the drop in competition will hurt both regions, especially Otago and Southland since Canterbury and Nelson objectively have much greater competitive depth that southern clubs won't get to face regularly anymore. I do think the finals series between north and south could be interesting though, even if Canterbury teams probably end up dominating.
It'd be a big loss for the south but also trouble for Mainland imo.

The quality sides are Nelson, Nomads, Ferrymead and Chch Utd (assuming they don't win the PO).

Surely these guys would be better off playing the Royals, Northern and Wānaka than Halswell, Selwyn and FC Nelson? Waimak too if CU win the NL playoff. Recent years have shown there's a marked difference in quality and Mainland doesn't have as strong depth anymore.
If this is the case its an absolute farce and goes to show the stupidity of Mainland Football!
Its only going to decrease the standard. Selwyn potentially to get another reprieve for the 2nd straight year, Halswell despite their beliefs are poor and will add nothing and I'd put FC Nelson in the same boat re quality..There is no way you could add Waimak who finished 7th in CPL

Burwood were 6th in CPL so surely they would be next in line? But yeah, no proper Southern league is a huge step backwards but also the reality is the South Island is larger geographically than the North Island and only has 1/4 of the population. The cost of Dunedin/Wanaka teams travelling to Nelson and vice versa would be extremely high and without the cost equalisation of the existing NZF organised competitions it's hard to see how clubs would be able to afford it.

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7 days ago

Marshy wrote:
Jonty07 wrote:
LT01 wrote:
Noah4thenix wrote:
I'm not too sure of the idea personally. Cost is always going to be a problem, especially when you have teams from Nelson and Dunedin flying to each other once or twice a season. Teams like Mosgiel passed on promotion in 2024, Nelson Suburbs recently calling for donations to balance the books because of the Chatham Cup. I think South Island doesn't have the financial depth of the North Island which makes it a bit tough.

On the other hand though I feel like the drop in competition will hurt both regions, especially Otago and Southland since Canterbury and Nelson objectively have much greater competitive depth that southern clubs won't get to face regularly anymore. I do think the finals series between north and south could be interesting though, even if Canterbury teams probably end up dominating.
It'd be a big loss for the south but also trouble for Mainland imo.

The quality sides are Nelson, Nomads, Ferrymead and Chch Utd (assuming they don't win the PO).

Surely these guys would be better off playing the Royals, Northern and Wānaka than Halswell, Selwyn and FC Nelson? Waimak too if CU win the NL playoff. Recent years have shown there's a marked difference in quality and Mainland doesn't have as strong depth anymore.
If this is the case its an absolute farce and goes to show the stupidity of Mainland Football!
Its only going to decrease the standard. Selwyn potentially to get another reprieve for the 2nd straight year, Halswell despite their beliefs are poor and will add nothing and I'd put FC Nelson in the same boat re quality..There is no way you could add Waimak who finished 7th in CPL
Burwood were 6th in CPL so surely they would be next in line? But yeah, no proper Southern league is a huge step backwards but also the reality is the South Island is larger geographically than the North Island and only has 1/4 of the population. The cost of Dunedin/Wanaka teams travelling to Nelson and vice versa would be extremely high and without the cost equalisation of the existing NZF organised competitions it's hard to see how clubs would be able to afford it.

South Island would be a better 8 team 3 round. Nelson, Wanaka play both games in Christchurch. Christchurch Teams hated the trip to play Wanaka but loved pissing up in Queenstown for the night. Selwyn can be demoted, and earn their way back up. Mainland servicing Mainland as it has always done...

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7 days ago

6th for Northern is fine too I guess. United can bring their A-game today, not mad at all...

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7 days ago

Half-time:
Ferrymead Bays 2 Dunedin City Royals 0,
Nelson Suburbs 0 Cashmere Technical 5,
Nomads 3 Selwyn 0,
Northern 0 Christchurch United 2,
Wanaka 1 Coastal Spirit 5

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7 days ago

Congratulations Ferrymead then!

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7 days ago · edited 7 days ago · History

Full-time:
Ferrymead Bays 2 Dunedin City Royals 1,
Nelson Suburbs 0 Cashmere Technical 6,
Nomads 8 Selwyn 1,
Northern 0 Christchurch United 2,
Wanaka 2 Coastal Spirit 8

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7 days ago

LT01 wrote:
Congratulations Ferrymead then!

Tip my hat to Bays.. I'm pretty sure noone predicted that, certainly not me!
They've been extremely consistent with a very strong defensive unit (bar Tech, 9 conceded in 16 games), that will always see you near the top!
Shout out to Nomads who i think have also punched above their weight this year!
Great to see as couple of sides finish higher than money bags Coastal and United who've both been average and hugely inconsistent.

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7 days ago

Jonty07 wrote:
LT01 wrote:
Congratulations Ferrymead then!
Tip my hat to Bays.. I'm pretty sure noone predicted that, certainly not me!
They've been extremely consistent with a very strong defensive unit (bar Tech, 9 conceded in 16 games), that will always see you near the top!
Shout out to Nomads who i think have also punched above their weight this year!
Great to see as couple of sides finish higher than money bags Coastal and United who've both been average and hugely inconsistent.

Good shout out that Nomads - I think they can take inspiration from the fact similar clubs (Western Suburbs, Fencibles United) are rising up in NZ footy at the moment. Strong on youth, development and pathways rather than just buying a team of well known names. Have been challenging and occasionally toppling the top sides in the SI for years, now they are really pushing on to be one of those top sides themselves.

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7 days ago

Interesting feat achieved across all season; via teams finishing in 3rd place

2021 - Dunedin City Royals
2022 - Nelson Suburbs
2023 - Coastal Spirit
2024 - Christchurch United
2025 - Cashmere Technical
2026 - Nomads United

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7 days ago · edited 7 days ago · History

Updated Table:

Catch-up game between Cashmere Technical and Wanaka will be played on 12 September

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6 days ago · edited 6 days ago · History

Today's scorers:
Ferrymead Bays 2 (Omar Cameron, Treye Butler) Dunedin City Royals 1 (Ashton Hudson - pen),

Nelson Suburbs 0 Cashmere Technical 6 (Garbhan Coughlan x 2, Lyle Matthysen x 2, Zander Edwards, Rory Hibbert),

Nomads 8 (Jesse Burge x 2, Will Turner x 2, Cooper Goldsmith x 2, Will McKee, Hugo King) Selwyn 1 (Oliver Hawkey),

Northern 0 Christchurch United 2 (Ernest Boyers, Charlie Beale),

Wanaka 2 (Stanley Blair, Hector Marin) Coastal Spirit 8 (Max Chreitien x 2, Leon Uribe Sepulveda, Liam Cotter, Yusuf Van Dam, Aporosa Yada, AJ Wilson, Thomas Moon)

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6 days ago

Southernix wrote:
Coastal Spirit's win over Christchurch United finally confirms their placement in the National League for 2027 but out of the race for 2026.

Christchurch United meanwhile are the first confirmed for the playoffs.

Coastal Spirit can thank NZF's intellectual sloppiness for their participation in the 2027 NL. The adoption of league placing rather than league points as a measure of league performance (NZF National League Regulations, Clause 29.2) potentially rewards mediocrity.

If league points were adopted as the performance parameter (as previously argued by Andrew Voerman), the above table shows that Christchurch United would be in the 2017 NL, not Coastal Spirit.

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6 days ago

30 goals today, the most in a single round this season.

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